Adams State University - Music Department

05/18/2026

DEGREES IN HAND - A huge congratulations to the Class of 2026, the Centennial class for Adams State University. We conferred 4 bachelor's degrees and 14 master's degrees. We are so proud of all of you and can't wait to see what you do next!

CONGRATULATIONS!

05/14/2026

This weekend we get to celebrate our graduates - Casper Jackson, William Lipke, Unique Bancroft. We are so proud of our graduates who will walk across the stage on Saturday, May 16.

Another of our graduates, Collin Wankelman, receives special recognition as a Presser Scholar. Collin was nominated by the Music Faculty and together submitted an application for consideration to the Presser Foundation. Out of over 265 applications from across the nation, Collin was selected in recognition for his accomplishments and contributions to music study at Adams State University. Click below for the full story!

We are so proud of Collin and all of our graduates! We look forward to celebrating you on Saturday.

https://www.adams.edu/news/presser-foundation-honors-adams-state-music-major/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRyzIFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETF2UFI0N3dGRFdZZzQ2Z01Xc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnwG_4qyaMqFx9MPScdvlo6ZuQGICV9e1lBpurxzD9MR_qztgn8uOWxArJiN_aem_0esID3tZNzpkbhq6Dee-Eg

"I could not have achieved this without the support of my professors."

05/09/2026

Adams State music students and faculty assisted with the annual Monte Vista “Instrument Petting Zoo” last week. At this event, incoming fifth graders are able to try out band instruments ahead of joining band in the new school year. ASU students teach basic techniques and help the students choose which instrument might work best for them.

We love returning to this event each year and giving ASU students hands-on teaching and mentoring experience!

04/30/2026

Between student recitals and ensemble concerts this week, we're showcasing our students in a multitude of ways. Here is another chance to hear ASU students in concert.

Come check out the ASU Wind Symphony concert Thursday, April 30 at 6:00 PM in Richardson Hall Auditorium. General Admission is $5; high school students and seniors, $1; FREE for AS&F and Friends of Music. For more info, contact Dr. James Lind, Director of Bands at (719) 587 - 7703 or email [email protected].

Come see what our students are up to!

04/29/2026

Come see Unique Bancroft's senior capstone presentation this Friday in Leon Memorial Hall at 7pm. Unique will be presenting her recordings from her final semester, which include recordings of Native American flute, piano, and several hip hop tracks. Also included will be some of Unique's class projects such as music for video game clips and commercials. Hope you can come check out Unique's great work!

04/27/2026

Join us this Tuesday, April 28, at 7pm in Richardson Auditorium for an evening of vocal and instrumental jazz! Get your week started right with the fun sounds of Adams State’s 68 West and Jazz Ensemble performing jazz, pop, Latin, soul, and maybe even a few surprises along the way…

We hope to see you there tomorrow!

04/21/2026

We are looking forward to premiering TWO new works by Dr.Chelsea Oden and Dr. Jesse Maker this weekend! Please join us on Saturday, April 25th @ 3pm in Leon Recital Hall! 🎉

04/15/2026

Today is the first day of our two-day percussion extravaganza!

Join us for our concert this evening, featuring the Adams State Percussion Ensemble, Steel Band, and guest artist Valerie Naranjo!

Join us tomorrow for our 2nd Annual Spring Percussion Festival featuring clinics, workshops, and performances throughout the day!

See the attached photo for more information. We are so excited to offer this wonderful event and hope to see you!

04/14/2026

Incredible first night of rehearsals and workshops with the amazing Valerie Naranjo! We can’t wait to see what’s in store for the students as we work together this week leading up to the 2nd Annual Spring Percussion Festival on Thursday, April 16th.

More info: https://www.adams.edu/academics/undergraduate/music/department/spring-percussion-festival/

Contact [email protected], festival host, with inquiries.

03/31/2026

There’s still one day to register for this free event! The 2nd Annual Spring Percussion Festival is taking place on April 16, with events running throughout the day and a showcase concert at 5:30pm to top it all off. San Luis Valley native Valerie Naranjo will be headlining this event! Valerie holds the permanent percussion chair in The Saturday Night Live Band and specializes in West African music, amongst her many accomplishments and accolades.

See the flyer below for more information. Reach out to Dr. Melinda Leoce at [email protected] with any questions.